However fondly one looks upon the holiday season; with its flurry of parties, family visits, family recipes and a few too many egg-nog lattes, the new year always brings a sense of renewal. A sense that something’s gonna change or maybe that something’s gotta change. So what’s this sense of change about really and why does it appear to have a greater sense of urgency than in years past? With an economic downturn that’s affecting the entire international community, ongoing climate change issues and escalating political strife in so many areas worldwide, there’s definitely something different in the air. The springs of this New Year seem to be wound pretty tight — less like a nagging mother telling you to clean your room and more like a call to action to help find a solution for the mess we appear to be in.
One of the best ways to be a part of the solution is to be informed. The following media retailers offer access to that much needed information while earmarking a goodly percentage of every sale to YOUR favorite cause.
We all know and love Borders and Barnes & Nobles. But have you checked them out online lately? They both have beautiful, easy-to-use sites and you can designate up to 2.5% (Barnes & Noble) or 3% (Borders) of every sale to your chosen nonprofit group. With so many books, DVD’s and music at your fingertips you’re passions and interests will be sparked anew. These retailers ship within the US and to Canada.
Often the best way to learn about a country’s history is to take flight and explore the sites yourself. Lonely Planet believes that the more travelers know about the people and places they’re visiting, the more they’ll enjoy their trip and the less negative impact their presence will have. To this end, the guidebooks offer information on customs, etiquette, history, religion, art and politics. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. Their products will help with every part of your journey, guiding you with ease from the planning stages to the experience. Social Responsibility is high on their corporate to-do list and a hefty 7.5% of your purchases can be designated to help support your nonprofit of choice. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
BBC online is now available to us Yanks, as well as to our Canadian friends through two separate sites. All of North America can now shop easily for Britain’s best in books, videos music and more. Their tag line says it all — entertaining, informing, inspiring — couple that with up to 3.8% of sales available for you to earmark to go to your favorite charity and BBC online will quickly turn into an all-around favorite resource center.
The quality of media available through the National Geographic website is as fascinating and fun as it is educational. Whether your passion lies with people and culture, nature and animals or space and science – you can bring the phenomenal poignancy of National Geographic magazine to life on your television (or computer screen) while traveling through history and into the future. Everyone who craves colorful information about life on this planet and beyond needs to become familiarized with this great site. Earmark 4% of whatever you buy toward your favorite cause and explore the world. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
Similarly Shop PBS has an amazing site full of good-for-your-head books and shows. Enjoy all their great well-known programs and so much more. Spend cozy evenings in the company of family and friends while learning something new or taking a deeper look into a favorite topic. Learn and give 5% to your cause while in pursuit of knowledge. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
Our Green House and Gaiam are great outlets to learn more about healthy and sustainable living for both you and the environment. These sites are more than just shops — in fact, they are like training centers, in that they provide so much great information on all things green. If your lifestyle is in need of a redesign, you’ll find a fresh template here. Designate 4% of every sale to the charity that you’re most passionate about and start experiencing change… see – you’re becoming more Zen already. These retailers ship within the US.
